New York 51st State Senate Race 2026: Three Candidates Enter Competitive Contest

The race for New York’s 51st State Senate seat is heating up ahead of the 2026 election, with three candidates officially in the mix following Republican incumbent Peter Oberacker’s decision to run for Congress.

“The district is quite large,” said Isabel Braverman, editor-in-chief of the Sullivan County Democrat. “It includes all of Sullivan County, Delaware, Schoharie, and Otsego counties, along with parts of Broome, Chenango, and Ulster counties.”

Democrat Michele Frazier, who ran against Oberacker in a previous election, is emphasizing affordability for families, including childcare, housing, and rural health care access.

Republicans Schoharie Assemblyman Chris Tague and Sullivan County legislator Terry Bernardo are both seeking the GOP nomination. Tague is focusing on reducing high costs, including energy bills, while Bernardo is highlighting her local roots. “Sullivan County has never had a representative in the State Senate,” Braverman noted.

The Sullivan County Republican Committee has not yet endorsed a candidate. “They will choose their endorsement based on how members vote during their convention in early January,” Braverman said.
With multiple candidates and potentially more still entering, the 51st District contest promises to be competitive. “It’s early. Definitely more people could still enter,” Braverman said.

For more, visit scdemocratonline.com.

Image: (left to right) Candidates Terry Bernardo, Chris Tague, and Michele Frazier.